About Us

Perfect Hoof Wear was developed at the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry by Farrier and Applied Equine Podiatrist Keith “KC” La Pierre, MAEP, RJF, CF. With more than forty years of experience, KC began his career working with Standardbred horses in the early 1980s. These racehorses often developed quarter cracks due to racing on challenging tracks. During this period, KC recognized casting as an effective technique to immobilize the hoof wall and damaged areas.

By his third decade of experience, KC’s vision for improved equine hoof care culminated in the establishment of the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry, co-founded with Dr. Robyn Lord. The institute is dedicated to advancing the field of Applied Equine Podiatry, emphasizing the principle that a horse’s foot should be free to adapt and distort in three dimensions. In pursuit of improved hoof health, the team systematically evaluated various treatments to address equine foot instability.

In 2006, an opportunity emerged when an equine cast manufacturer contacted the Institute. Although KC had previously used casting materials to address quarter cracks and other hoof challenges, the new objective was to develop a system that enabled controlled distortion instead of mere immobilization. Initial tests with conventional casting materials failed to accomplish this goal.

After refining Perfect Hoof Wear, we aimed to simplify its application. Our main goal was to maintain controlled distortion without affecting circulation or lymphatic function, which required a flexible attachment method. Traditional glues proved cumbersome and costly, prompting us to seek alternatives.

This process led to the development of the PHW anchoring system and impression pad, creating an efficient, user-friendly attachment method. This system improves PHW's effectiveness in supporting natural foot function and has been used successfully for over a decade. Tens of thousands of Perfect Hoof Wear products are now in use worldwide.

We hope to be a valuable resource for you and the horses in your care. Please contact us with any questions or inquiries.